Many Hispanic leaders back the nominee and have warned opponents that they risk a backlash from voters. It’s a sensitive issue, especially in Florida, while Republicans try to reach out to Hispanic voters.

“During his tenure at the Justice Department, Mr. Perez has been associated with some of the department’s most controversial decisions and appears to have engaged in selective and politically motivated applications of the law,” Rubio said. “The Department of Justice’s own inspector general recently concluded that the division led by Mr. Perez continues to suffer from ‘polarization and mistrust.’”

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, noted that Perez is the son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, who rose from modest beginnings to the highest levels of government through “sharp intellect and impressive work ethic.”

“Unfortunately, intellect and work ethic are not sufficient qualifications for a cabinet secretary. Mr. Perez’s far left views and troubling record at the Justice Department simply do not qualify him to lead the Labor Department, and I will strongly oppose his confirmation.”